Jonathan’s copy of ‘Thoughts on a Pebble’ which he is donating to the Geological Society of London. Photo: Jonathan Bujak

Merlin’s associate, Dr Jonathan Bujak, is donating his sixth edition copy (published in 1842) of Gideon Mantell’s “Thoughts on a Pebble” to the Geological Society. This precious book will be entrusted to the Geological Society for safe preservation so that it can be appreciated by many generations of geologists and geoscientists to come. Jonathan has written a fascinating article in Geoscientist about the book and the provenance of his particular copy, which can be read here.

Mantell was passionate about fossils and geology and contributed greatly to palaeontology throughout his life, engaging in research, lectures and fossil collecting. The first edition of ‘Thoughts on a Pebble’, published in 1831, was based on answers Mantell gave his young son about a flint pebble, and the book expanded in subsequent editions. Jonathan was attracted to the illustrations of ‘Fossil Animalcules in Flint’ in the book when he saw it in a London bookshop soon after completing his PhD.

Merlin has worked with Jonathan to make available his North Sea/West of Shetland Paleogene Stratigraphic Database, which provides improved stratigraphic calibration for both hydrocarbon and energy transition projects. It is therefore an essential resource for all companies evaluating Paleogene plays in these areas. If you are interested in finding out more about the database, visit Merlin's dedicated webpage.

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